Pausing television programming in response to selection of network address

ABSTRACT

A time sequential signal comprising audiovisual content and network addresses is received and displayed on a display device by the systems of the invention in a time sequential manner. The display of the time sequential signal is paused whenever a displayed network address is selected. While pausing the display, data corresponding to any selected network address is accessed and displayed on the display device. The corresponding data may comprise a web page accessed through the Internet or an interval page that is transmitted within the vertical blanking intervals of the time sequential signal. While pausing the display of the time sequential signal, the time sequential signal is recorded so that it can be viewed in the order it was recorded as soon as a resume display command is received by the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/250,807 filed Oct. 14, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/992,190, filed Nov. 16, 2001, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/900,417, filed Jul.25, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/641,517, filed May 1, 1996, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/306,642, filed Sep. 15, 1994which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/038,240, filed Mar. 29, 1993. The foregoing patent applications areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ever since events have been transmitted to and received by devices, suchas radios and televisions, people have desired to be able to pause thedisplay of a continuous event at selectable periods. Consider theexample of a program being watched on a television and a viewer leavesthe room to attend to a phone call. In this case, the display of theprogram would preferably be interrupted so that the viewer does not missany of it. Upon returning, it is desirable to be able to resume viewingor listening to the transmitted event from the point at which the viewerleft the room.

Also, when watching television, very often the viewer would like toreturn to a previous period in the continuously transmitted event toreview that interval again. This is conventionally possible using arecording, such as a video tape of the event. In this case, the user isable to pause the video tape at any desired time. Then, at any futuretime the viewer can begin playing the tape again and watch the recordedevent starting from the point of time on the tape at which its play backwas stopped. Or, if something of interest occurs during the viewing ofthe recorded event, the viewer can rewind the video tape and watch thatinterval over and over again. After watching this interesting interval,the viewer can allow the tape to continually play to watch the rest ofthe event.

However in the case of a transmitted program, such as a movie receivedby the viewer's television, there is no way in the conventional art totemporarily pause the viewing of the transmitted program at any desiredtime and then later return to the transmitted program picking up at thatpoint in time when the pause began.

For example, a viewer watching a show may be interrupted by a phonecall. Traditionally, the viewer must either ignore the call and continuewatching the program, or take the call and miss that interval of theprogram which coincides with the duration of the phone call. When theviewer returns from the phone call the program has proceeded to adifferent point in time and the viewer is not able to watch the intervalof the program which coincides with the time of the phone call.

Also, there may be two programs being received by the viewer'stelevision of interest to the viewer. In this case, a viewer with avideo cassette recorder (VCR) may record one of the shows while viewingthe other The viewer can then watch one of the shows as it is beingtransmitted and at a later time watch the recorded show. However, thereis no conventional way for a viewer to temporarily pause from theviewing of one show and switch to the other show to watch an interestingportion thereof then switch back to the first show and resume viewingfrom the point at the beginning of the pause. Rather, the viewer returnsto the first show at a point in time of the first show further alongthan the point in time of the beginning of the pause. Therefore, theviewer misses that portion of the first show which elapsed during theswitch to the other program. A conventional television set allows aviewer to decide what to watch, but not when to watch it. Eachtelevision program is broadcasted from a television station, beamed froma satellite or carried over a cable, to each television set in asynchronous manner. Stated otherwise, each television set that is tunedto a particular channel receives the same television program startingand ending at the same times. Those who wish to view a program mustsynchronize their schedules with the time of the program broadcast.Video tape recorders have become very popular devices because they let aviewer watch a program asynchronously, but only after the program hasbeen aired. That is, a viewer can watch the recorded program at any timehe or she desires. A VCR can be programmed to record a certain show on acertain channel at a certain time. A viewer can then view the show at alater time by playing the recorded VCR tape. However, a viewer stillmust wait until the entire program has been received and recorded beforeviewing the play back from the VCR tape.

A VCR tape records a video signal in a linear sequential manner that isnot randomly addressable. If the portion of the recorded program that isto be replayed is at the end of the tape, the tape must be “fastforwarded” all the way through until the beginning of the desiredportion is reached. To play back a particular portion of a recordedprogram, the VCR tape must be either rewound or fast forwarded to thesegment of tape that contains the recorded portion. However, recentlyrecording/play back devices and disk recording media have been developedthat allow a video signal to be recorded and played back in a randomaccess manner. To replay a particular portion of a recorded event, theplay back head of the recording device can quickly access the locationof the disk that contains the information. Thus searching for andretrieving of a particular recorded portion can be much quicker from adisk recording medium as opposed to a tape recording medium. Further,typically the information recorded on a disk is indexed by storingdistinguishing information in a file allocation table located on thedisk. When a particular set of information is to be retrieved, itslocation on the disk is found by referencing the file allocation table.

A video signal contains a large amount of information, and thus requiresa recording scheme with a large storage capacity to record, for example,a television program in its entirety (as can be done using aconventional VCR). Recently developed video compression technology andrecording media now enable a useful amount of video information to berecorded in a random access manner. This recent technology includes MPEGcompression, recordable compact disks, magneto-optical disks, phasechange optical disks, and the like. Companies such as Sony, Hitachi and3M are increasing the storage capacity of magneto-optical disks, andMatsushita is making advances in phase change storage technology.

The accepted wisdom in the art is that a video cassette recorder can beused to make a recording of a television show so that the show can belater watched by a viewer in an asynchronous manner, that is, withpauses and replays determined according to the desires of the viewer.

In accordance with the teachings of the prior art, a dual deck recordercan be used to make copies of prerecorded tapes, or possibly record twodifferent shows at once (if two channels can be tuned in), or possiblywatch one prerecorded show while taping another.

There is no prior reference that enables a television program to beviewed at a pace dictated by the viewer, even through the televisionprogram continues to be aired. No prior device allows a viewer to watcha broadcast television program during the broadcast as if it were aprerecorded tape (with the one exception of fast forwarding throughportions of the program that have not yet been received).

The Internet has recently exploded in popularity. Computer users aregetting on-line to search for and download their choice of informationfrom the large amount of information content already available.Businesses have realized the commercial prospects of having an on-linepresence, and often provide their world wide web site address in print,radio and television advertisements. A computer user with a modem canget on-line and access the business' web site to obtain more informationabout a particular product that the user is interested in. This form ofadvertisement will most likely become more and more common as internetuse increases. However, the user must memorize or write down theadvertiser's web site address, or perform a sometimes labor and timeintensive on-line search to find the web site. If a television viewerwishes to access the advertiser's web site for more information, then heor she must wait until after the program has aired if it is desired towatch the whole program. Therefore, there is a need for a time shiftingevent recorder that allows a viewer to temporarily pause a program,access a computer network such as the Internet, and then resume viewingthe program without missing any of it.

The Intel Corporation and others are developing a technology calledintercasting, in which world wide web-like pages are distributed totelevision sets via the vertical blanking interval (VBI). An intercasttechnology group has been formed by a number of leading companies in theinformation technology industry. Many cable and broadcast televisiontransmissions are incorporating the intercast or intercast-liketechnology and including web page-like information along with thetelevision program.

The intercast information is currently either displayed in a splitscreen, or the display is toggled between the television program and theintercast information. In any event, to make use of the intercast signalthe viewer must either miss part of the television program, or try topay attention to the program while simultaneously concentrating onretrieving and understanding the intercast information. This is one ofthe major drawbacks of the intercast technology.

On yet another front, it has become cliché that most VCR users have muchdifficulty in programming their VCRs to record television programs. Evenwith on-screen programming, and other attempts to demystify the process,most people simply cannot program their VCRs.

On yet another front, there is a need for a device that enables users toenjoy the benefits of the on-line experience via their television.Products are being made available that enable a user to connect with theInternet through a cable or telephone modem and display, for example,world wide web pages on their television. However, these products, suchas WebTV from Philips Magnavox and Sony, merely allow the user access tothe Internet. They provide no means for pausing the display of atelevision program according to the user's desires. They also fail tooffer the advantages of any of the inventions as will be discussedbelow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein is intended to overcome the drawbacks ofthe conventional art. In accordance with the present invention(s) a timeshifting event recorder is provided capable of recording portions of atime sequential signal representing an event so that a representation ofthe event can be produced in a time shifted manner.

The present invention(s) described herein enables a viewer toarbitrarily pause a television program, access a computer network suchas Internet, explore the content available at the viewer's leisure andthen resume viewing the program at any time without missing any of it.

In accordance with the present invention(s), the viewer has control overhow a movie or television show is viewed in a manner that is notconventionally possible. If a particularly interesting or complex sceneoccurs, the viewer can replay it, and then return to the movie withoutmissing any of it. If the phone rings, the viewer can pause the displayof the television show, and then return to uninterrupted viewing of itat any future time, even while the rest of the show is being received,and not miss anything.

Further, the present invention(s) utilizes the vertical blankinginterval (VBI) of a television program to carry Internet sites, Internetaddresses or other related information that is relevant to thetelevision program (or television commercial). The VBI is a portion ofthe television signal that does not contain program information, it istypically used for services such as closed-captioning. As described indetail herein, all or a portion of the related VBI-embedded informationmay also be “front loaded” and placed at the beginning of the timesequential signal. Once received, this information can be stored on aconventional data storage device, such as a hard drive, RAM, or thelike, so that it is retrievable by a viewer at any time. Sinceindividuals will be receiving a bulk of the relevant data en masse,widespread use of the inventions may reduce the demand on the Internetfor modem connection bandwidth.

An example use of the present invention(s) would allow an advertiser toinclude a pathway to its information pages contained in the VBIinformation, world wide web page or Internet Site along with atelevision commercial. A viewer that wishes to learn more about anadvertised product, such as an automobile, merely has to click hisremote control to get the advertiser's information pages displayed. Theinstant the information page is available for viewing, the display ofthe program is paused, and time shifting recording of the programbegins. This use could open the door to more targeted marketingopportunities for advertisers who today use the television to appeal toa mass audience. The invention(s) described herein can be utilized toallow such television advertisers to appeal to a more target market.

After perusing the advertiser's Internet site or information pages, theviewer can return to the television program and it is automaticallyreplayed from the point of departure. The unique recording capabilitiesenabled by the inventions ensures that the viewer does not miss any ofthe program, no matter when or how long the Internet session takes. Inaccordance with the use of the present invention(s), the informationavailable about a product does not end with the commercial. Rather, atelevision commercial can be linked to content where much moreinformation can be found by a consumer with interest in the product.

The inventions described herein allows Internet network content to mixwith the cable or broadcast TV medias. The inventions described hereincan be used to provide viewers of a television program a pathway to arelated Internet site, and a pathway from the Internet site to othertelevision programs. For example, a viewer who enjoys a particular moviecan access an Internet site that provides a hyper-link to other sites,web pages, newsgroups, or FTP addresses about other movies or programsavailable in the same genre.

Also, the Internet site can be used to locate future programs that theviewer wishes to watch. In this case, an Internet site can be set upthat includes the programming information for each cable or satellitetelevision system. The choice of the correct programming information ismade available to each Internet subscriber by determining the localityof the user's modem connection (based on, for example, caller ID, areacode and/or phone number). The Internet subscriber can also manuallychoose which cable or satellite system programming schedule to view. Theinventions described herein can be incorporated into a cable televisionset top box that is programmable, via a download of information includedin the television signal, the Internet, intercast or intranet site, toremind the viewer just before a selected program airs. The inventionsdescribed herein can be incorporated in a set top box capable ofcontrolling an existing VCR to record the programs selected from aprogramming grid shown at, for example, an Internet web site ordelivered to the user via the television signal. This feature is veryexciting because it will allow VCR owners to finally easily programtheir VCRs to tape selected shows simply using a point and a click.

In accordance with the present inventions, the selected recording oftelevision programs is made simple. A television program schedule isreceived by the user, either via a network connection or through thetelevision signal. The user can search for and select programs that areto be recorded from an on-screen programming grid (or other informationdisplay format). Upon selecting the programs to record, control signalsare downloaded to the user's apparatus (computer, digital television,Internet appliance, etc.). The control signals are used to generateremote control signals or directly control VCR or other video recordingso that program recording occurs as desired.

As another example use of the present invention(s) set top box, asporting event can be viewed with instant-replays that are controlled bythe viewer and additional information embedded in the VBI, such as thescores of other games or player stats, accessed at any time. Hyper-linksto Internet sport pages or chat rooms can be included and theinformation displayed in a split screen along with the game, or theviewing of the game can be paused at the viewer's discretion for anylength of time. Even with these arbitrary pauses the presentinvention(s) permits the viewer to watch the entire game, no matter whenand how many viewing pauses are taken.

The present inventions described herein can be provided in desktopcomputers used by schools to provide inexpensive individualizedcomputer-aided instruction. Each student can pause the display of amulticasted videotaped lesson at any time, and access additional relatedinformation available from the computer memory, Internet, intercast orintranet to enable self-paced learning.

This method can also be used for “in-home” learning, to allow children,as well as adults, to continue their education in a self-paced manner. Apiano lesson, for example, can incorporate a video included in atelevision broadcast; web-like pages embedded in the VB1; and anInternet site accessible by hyper-links that are also embedded in VBI.The video shows a piano instructor, the web-like pages include text andsheet music specific to the piano lesson, and the Internet site containsmore text, video clips and sheet music, as well as links to relatedInternet sites

With the present inventions and an Internet connection, the home-studentcan sit at the piano, view the video-taped instructor, and control thepace of this learning session with a remote controller. The display ofthe video can be paused, the web-like pages embedded in the VBI can bedisplayed, text read, and sheet music printed at any time appropriatefor that particular student. If more information is needed, a hyper-linkembedded in the VBI can be clicked to bring up a related Internet site.Once on Internet, the student will be free to search for and retrievecontent related to piano lessons; piano construction; local pianoclasses; flute classes; and, if the student's interest should wander,fly-fishing or basket weaving. The student can later return to earlierInternet pages or the stored web-like pages, select from another storedhyper-link, or return to viewing the video at any time, including whilethe video is still being aired or a week thereafter. This power-learningscheme is only made possible using the present invention(s).

In accordance with the present invention(s), a viewer can suspend atwill the viewing of a broadcast television program. The program is timeshifted depending on the user's preferences paving the way, for example,for television/Internet options not obtainable from currently availabletechnology.

In accordance with the present inventions, a time shifting eventrecorder is provided including receiving means for receiving a timesequential signal representing an event. Recording means records in afirst recording medium at least one selected portion of the timesequential signal and recording means records in a second recordingmedium at least one other selected portion of the time sequential signaldifferent from the at least one selected portion first recorded by therecording means. Playing-back means retrieves at selectable intervalsthe respective selected portions of the time sequential signal recordedin the first and second recording media and generates a play back signaldependent thereon. Controlling means controls the first and the secondrecording means to record the respective selected portions of the timesequential signal. The controlling means also controls the playing-backmeans to retrieve at the selectable intervals the respective selectedportions of the time sequential signal and generate the play backsignal, so that a representation of the event can be produced in a timeshifted manner.

The time sequential signal can either be a video, audio, or otherinformation carrying signal. The recording media can be a magnetic tape,a magnetic disk, an electronic memory circuit, an optically recordabledisk, or any other suitable recording medium. In accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention(s), each recording medium is part ofa same recording medium, such as a same recordable disk. Remote controlinputting means may be provided for inputting user selectable controlsignals to the control ling means so as to control the production of therepresentation of the event in a user definable time shifted manner. Thetime sequential signal can be stored as digital data, analog data, andthe like.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention(s), therecording means is provided for recording in a third recording mediumgap portions of the time sequential signal different from the portionsrecorded by the first and second recording media. The gap portions arerecorded or played backed at times when either of the first or thesecond recording means is not able to record and/or playback the timesequential signal (such as during a rewind or play back period). Theplaying-back means is capable of retrieving at a gap interval each gapportion of the time sequential signal recorded in the third recordingmedium. The controlling means controls the recording means to recordeach gap portion of the time sequential signal. The controlling meansalso controls the playing-back means to generate the play back signal sothat a representation of the event can be produced in a time shiftedmanner, without a break caused by a time when either of the first or thesecond recording means is not able to record the time sequential signal.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention(s),one of the recording means consists of an already existing recordingapparatus such as a VCR. In this embodiment, the controlling means isadapted to control both a recording means and the recording apparatus sothat a representation of the event can be produced in a time shiftedmanner. The controlling means may control the recording apparatus (VCR)via remote control signals by accessing the VCR's remote controlcapabilities.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention(s), supplying meansis provided for supplying a play back signal of a previously recordedportion of the time sequential signal and a current portion of the timesequential signal to a display device simultaneously so that a timeshifted representation of the event can be displayed simultaneously witha current representation of the event on the display device. In thisembodiment, the viewer is thus able to return to a portion of the eventbeing viewed and watch that portion again while simultaneously viewingthe event in real time, providing user-determined instant replays ofpreviously displayed portions of the television program. In fact, thepresent inventions can be configured so that the viewer may view otherportions of the event, recorded on the second, third, etc. recordingmedia, simultaneously with the portion recorded on the first recordingmedium and/or the current reproduction of the event.

The inventive apparatus can be used for displaying a received televisionprogram while simultaneously displaying a time shifted (paused) programin a picture-in-a-picture window. In accordance with this aspect of theinvention, a cable television set top box incorporates the inventiverecording apparatus. A time sequential signal (cable television signal)is received via a cable television line. The cable television linecarries a number of different channels, each channel carrying adifferent program. Usually, a viewer selects which channel is tuned intousing a remote control. In accordance with the present invention(s), theviewer can pause the display of a first program, and switch to anotherchannel to view a different program. The paused program is recorded inthe manner described herein so that the viewer can resume viewing theprogram at any time, without missing any of it. Further, a modificationof the recording scheme discussed above can be utilized to enablesimultaneous pausing of two or more programs or switching between two ormore programs without missing any portion of either. For example, aviewer can start watching a program 1, and then decide to start watchinga program 2. When program 1 is paused, the recording means beginsrecording a first recorded portion 1 of program 1. While the firstrecording portion 1 is being recorded, the viewer changes the televisionchannel to start watching program 2. The viewer may then decide to watchprogram 1 again and so the first recorded portion 1 is played back. Atthe same time that the first recorded portion 1 is being played back, asecond recorded portion 1 of program 1 is recorded and a first recordedportion 2 is recorded by the recording means (on different recordingmedia, or on a same recording media as described above). The recordingand playback of the two programs continues on in the manner illustratedherein to enable the viewer to watch both programs at his or herleisure. If the viewer switches to a third program or takes a break,then both programs can be simultaneously tuned in and recorded onrespective recording mediums.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the time shiftingevent recorder in accordance with the present invention(s);

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail an embodiment of thetime shifting event recorder in accordance with the presentinvention(s);

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the inventivetime shifting event recorder;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the inventivetime shifting event recorder;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the inventive timeshifting event recorder;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the inventive method ofpausing the display of a time sequential signal, and the steps of theoperation of the inventive apparatus for the pausing the display of atime sequential signal;

FIG. 7 illustrates the inventive apparatus in use displaying a receivedtelevision program while simultaneously displaying a time shiftedprogram in a picture-in-a-picture window;

FIG. 8 illustrates the inventive apparatus in use displaying a receivedtelevision commercial having a linked Internet address;

FIG. 9 illustrates the information that might be displayed when a useractivates content such as a hyperlink or hypertext message includedalong with a television commercial;

FIG. 10 illustrates the information that might be displayed when theuser activates one of the hyperlinks included with an interval page;

FIG. 11 illustrates the information that might be displayed with theuser actives one of the Internet hyperlinks included with an intervalpage;

FIG. 12 illustrates another Web page in accordance with the on-linetelevision program selection and recording aspects of the presentinvention(s);

FIG. 13 illustrates another Web page in accordance with the on-linetelevision program selection and recording aspects of the presentinvention(s), and shows the user of a flat screen display remote inputdevice;

FIG. 14 shows a display of preview information of television programs inaccordance with the present invention(s);

FIG. 15 shows a television display during a time shifting operation;

FIG. 16 shows an on-line browser displayed during the pause in thetelevision viewing;

FIG. 17 shows a television commercial displayed along with a televisionprogram;

FIG. 18 illustrates the display toggled between a preview screen and aviewed television program;

FIG. 19 illustrates a television commercial displayed with a hyper-linkto related content;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a televisionsystem enabled with the inventive technology;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the components of anothertelevision system enabled with the inventive technology;

FIG. 22 shows a screen displaying television program schedulinginformation delivered via a television signal;

FIG. 23 shows a screen displaying television program schedulinginformation delivered via a television signal;

FIG. 24 shows a configuration of a remote control input device that canbe used in accordance with the present invention(s);

FIG. 25 shows another configuration of a track pad remote control inputdevice that can be used in accordance with the present invention(s);

FIG. 26 shows another configuration of a track ball remote control inputdevice that can be used in accordance with the present invention(s); and

FIG. 27 shows another configuration of a wireless keyboard input devicethat can be used in accordance with the present invention(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, there being contemplated such alterationsand modifications of the illustrated device, and such furtherapplications of the principles of the invention as disclosed herein, aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains.

In accordance with the present invention(s), a viewer can pause thedisplay of, for example a television program, at any time and for anylength of time (limited by the recording capacity of the recordingmedia). The pause can take place while the program is being aired, andthe viewer can return to viewing the program from the point where thepause began, even while the program continues to be received. During thepause the viewer may replay a previously recorded portion of theprogram, fast forward through a recorded portion, simply take a breakfrom viewing and/or switch to another channel. Also, the presentinvention(s) allows a viewer to pause the display of a program andswitch to another media system, such as an Internet connection. Theviewer can access information from the Internet computer network whilepausing the display of a television program.

As an example of this application for the present invention(s), the timesequential signal that carries a television program usually includescommercial messages. The commercial message may include informationregarding an advertiser's world wide web site, or other computer networkaddress. The address may be included as information contained in thevideo vertical blanking interval (a portion of the video signal that isreceived during a time when the video display scanning returns to thetop of the screen). This address information can be accessed so that aviewer can access the advertiser's computer network location for moreinformation on a particular product that is described in the commercialmessage. The viewing of the program can be time shifted while the vieweraccesses the advertiser's computer network site. Once the viewer hasreviewed the computer network site, he can return to the televisionprogram without missing any of it.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the inventive time shifting eventrecorder will be described. Receiving means 12 receives a timesequential signal representing an event. The time sequential signal maybe, for example, a program broadcast via radio and microwaves fordisplay on, for example, a television or a radio. The time sequentialsignal may also be transmitted through a transmission medium other thanthe air, such as a coaxial cable or fiber optics used by the cabletelevision industry. Conventionally, this time sequential signal isconverted into visual video signals and/or audible audio signals so thata continuous representation of the event can be viewed and/or listenedto by an observer. However, if the observer is distracted fromobservation of the time sequential representation of the event, there isno conventional way to time shift the observable representation of theevent, other than by the conventional method of recording the entirerest of the time sequential signal, waiting until the event (such as atelevision program) is over, and then rewinding and replaying therecorded time sequential signal.

To overcome this drawback, in accordance with the present invention(s),a first recording means 14 records in a first recording medium 16 atleast one selected portion of the time sequential signal. In otherwords, if the viewer of a television program were to leave the room, thefirst recording means 14 is activated to record that selected portion ofthe time sequential signal received during the viewer's absence. Uponreturning, the viewer activates the playing-back means 18 to retrieve atthe selectable interval (the viewer's return), the recorded selectedportion of the time sequential signal recorded in the first recordingmedium 16 during the viewer's absence. The playing-back means 18produces a play back signal from this recorded time sequential signalportion so that the viewer can view the television program where he orshe left off. While the viewer is viewing the time shifted portion ofthe television program, a second recording means 20 records in a secondrecording medium 22 another selected portion of the time sequentialsignal. In other words, since the television program continues on timesequentially, while the viewer is viewing the first recorded portionrecorded in the first recording medium 16 the second recording means 20continues recording the time sequential signal at the point at which therecording by the first recording means 14 is stopped so that the signalcan be played back.

After the time sequential signal recorded by the first recording means14 has been played back (so that the viewer is able to view that portionof the television program that was aired in his absence), theplaying-back means 18 retrieves the portion of the time sequentialsignal recorded by the second recording means 20 so that it may beplayed back. Thus, the continuous time sequential signal representingthe event (the television program) is time shifted and the viewer viewsthe program continuously upon returning, starting from the point in timeat which the viewer first stopped viewing the program. Controlling means24 controls the first and second recording means 14,20 to record therespective selected portions of the time sequential signal. Thecontrolling means 24 also controls the playing-back means 18 to retrieveat the selectable intervals the respective selected portions of the timesequential signal, so that the play back signal can be generated and arepresentation of the event can be produced in a time shifted manner.The time sequential signal can be a video signal or an audio signal. Therecording media can be a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, an electronicmemory circuit (such as an EPROM, or other electronic storage device) anoptically recordable disk recording medium, or any recording medium nowknown or later developed.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an inventive recording device for pausing the displayof a received time sequential signal (TSS) on a displaying device, suchas a television, computer monitor, or radio. In accordance with thepresent invention(s) recording means 14 is provided for recording afirst recorded portion of a received time sequential signal. Therecording means 14 also records a second recorded portion of thereceived time sequential signal Input receiving means 32 is provided forinputting a pause display command and a resume display command. Thepause display command and the resume display command are instructionsreceived from the viewer (via a remote control, voice activationmechanism, computer keyboard, or mouse, for example) to allow thecontrol of the viewing of, for example, a television program dependingon the viewer's preference.

Determining means 23 is provided for determining a beginning of thefirst recorded portion. The determining means 23 includes astart-recording value setting means 25 for setting a start-recordingvalue. As will be described in more detail below, the start-recordingvalue is utilized for determining where on the recording medium thebeginning of a recorded portion of the time sequential signal isphysically (or electronically) located. For example, the start-recordingvalue may be a counter value that corresponds to where on a VCR tape orother magnetic recording tape the beginning of a recorded portion of thetime sequential signal is located. The counter may be an electronicdigital counter that provides a counter value signal which can be storedin a memory device, such as a RAM. Each counter value signal correspondsto a segment of the length of the VCR tape.

The start-recording value may be a tone, such as a tone having afrequency beyond the range of hearing of humans, which may be recordedon the recording medium so that after recording has taken place thelocation of the beginning of the recorded portion of the time sequentialsignal can be found by rewinding the VCR tape, or other recordingmedium, until the particular recorded tone is found. The tone can befound using a frequency filter that is set to the frequency of the tonesignal. Further, different tones can be used to signify differentportions of the recorded time sequential signal (and as will bedescribed below, recorded tones can be utilized as a stop-recordingvalue). The filter can be adjustable to enable recognition of eachparticular frequency.

The determining means 23 further includes start-recording valuedetecting means 27. The start recording value detecting means 27 detectsthe start-recording value. For example, if the start-recording value isa tone, the location of the tape where the tone is first recorded can bedetermined by a frequency filtering mechanism that filters out the tonefrequency or that filters out frequencies that are not the tonefrequency. Stated otherwise, the beginning of the recorded portion ofthe time sequential signal is located on the VCR tape at the location ofthe beginning of the recorded tone. The beginning of the recordedportion is located by locating the beginning of the recorded tone.

Playing-back means 18 is provided for playing back the recorded portionsof the time sequential signal (i.e., the first recorded portion and thesecond recorded portion). Controlling means 24 controls the determiningmeans 23 to determine the beginning of the first recorded portiondepending on the pause display command. The controlling means 24 maythus control the start-recording value setting means 25 depending on andin response to the received pause display command. When the pausedisplay command is received, the start-recording value setting means 25sets the start-recording value so that after the portion of the timesequential signal has been recorded its beginning can be located.

The controlling means 24 also controls the recording means 14 so thatthe first recorded portion is recorded depending on the pause displaycommand. Once the first recorded portion of the time sequential signalhas been recorded and the viewer wishes to begin viewing the programagain, the controlling means 24 controls the playing-back means 18 sothat the first recorded portion is played back depending on thestart-recording value, and depending on and in response to the resumedisplay command. The controlling means 24 also controls the recordingmeans 14 so that the second recorded portion is recorded while the firstrecorded portion is being played back.

In accordance with the present invention(s), the recording means 14comprises at least one of a magnetic recording tape, a magneticrecording disk, an optical recording disk, an electronic recordingcircuit, and a recording medium. The recording medium may be, forexample, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, aholographic recording medium, or an electronic recording medium. In thecase of an electronic recording medium, a dynamic random access memory(DRAM) may be used. An example of such a DRAM is to be produced by NECCorporation of Japan. NEC Corp. has prototyped a DRAM chip that canstore more than 4 billion bits of information, enough to hold 47 minutesof full-motion video. Compression techniques, such as MPEG, may beemployed to store a greater amount of video on such a chip. Inaccordance with the present invention(s), a single DRAM may be used asboth the first and the second recording mediums 16,22 if it is capableof simultaneously recording and playing back information. Alternatively,two or more DRAMs can be utilized as the respective first, second (andif desired third, and so on) recording mediums. In any event, theoperation of the recording and playing back of the received timesequential signal will be controlled as described herein to enable aviewer to arbitrarily pause the display of, for example, a receivedtelevision program, and then later return to the viewing of the programwithout missing any of it and even while the rest of the programcontinues to be received. The DRAM may be used as a buffer memory tostore a portion of the time sequential signal to allow a non-randomaccess recording medium, such as a conventional VCR video tape to beemployed as either or both of the first and the second recording mediums16,22. In place of the DRAM, an other random-accessible data storagedevice can be used, such as a hard drive, removable cartridge drive,holographic memory, etc.

The start-recording value setting means 25 comprises at least one of atone signal generator, a counter, a file allocation address generator,and a recording medium location address storing means. A tone signalgenerator generates a tone frequency on command. This tone frequency isrecorded along with the recorded portion of the time sequential signalso that the location of the time sequential signal can be found. Thetone signal can be generated only momentarily at the beginning of therecording of the recorded portion, or can be generated continuouslywhile the recorded portion is being recorded. If it is recordedmomentarily, than the location of the beginning of the recorded portioncan be found by rewinding the tape while playing back the information(in reverse) that is recorded. If the tape is rewound at a speed that isdifferent from the speed at which the information (recorded portion andtone) is recorded, then the tone frequency that is to be detected willbe different from the tone frequency that was recorded. The filteringmechanism, or other tone detection mechanism (start-recording valuedetecting means 27) is appropriately constructed to recognize therecorded tone. Further, if the tone is recorded continuously, than thelocation of the beginning of the recorded portion can be found byrewinding and playing back the recorded information (in reverse) untilthe recorded tone is not present.

As will be described below, the use of other recording media, such asoptical or magnetic disk, may utilize different mechanisms fordetermining the beginning and ending of the recorded portions of thetune sequential signal. The type of start-recording value setting means25 utilized in accordance with the present invention(s) will depend uponthe type of recording means 14 utilized. However, it is important tonote that in accordance with the present; invention(s) the recordingmeans 14 utilized may be comprised of two or more different types ofrecording media, such as a VCR tape and an optical disk. The inventiverecording device can be utilize in conjunction with a VCR tape recorderor a digital recorder, for example, so that the necessary componentparts (recording/play back head, motor 45, circuitry) of the inventiverecorder are reduced while still allowing the unique and usefulfunctionality of pausing the display of a time sequential signal on adisplaying device 44, such as a television, depending on the viewer'spreference. The start-recording value comprises at least one of a tonesignal, a counter value, file allocation table address, and a locationon a recording medium.

In accordance with the present invention(s), the determining means 23may include stop-recording value setting means 31 for setting a stoprecording value. The stop-recording value indicates where the end ofeach recorded portion of the time sequential signal is located on therecording medium. For example, another tone (which may be different thanthe tone of the start-recording value) may be recorded on a recordingmedium, such as a VCR tape, to signify the end of the recorded portionof the time sequential signal. The tone may be recorded simultaneouslywith the end, or immediately after the end of the recording of theportion of the time sequential signal. The invention further includesstop-recording value detecting means 29 for detecting the stop-recordingvalue. The stop-recording value setting means 31 may comprise one of atone signal generator, a counter, a file allocation address generator,and a recording medium location address storing means. Thestop-recording value may comprise at least one of a tone signal, acounter value, a file allocation table address, and a location on arecording medium.

Stated otherwise, the inventive apparatus for pausing the display of areceived time sequential signal includes recording means 14 forrecording a first recorded portion of a received time sequential signaland for recording a second recorded portion of the received timesequential signal. Input receiving means 32 inputs a pause displaycommand and a resume display command. Determining means 23 determinesthe beginning of the recorded portion. Playing-back means plays back thefirst recorded portion and the second recorded portion in a time-shiftedmanner. In accordance with the present invention(s), controlling means24 controls the determining means 23 to determine the beginning of eachrecorded portion depending on the pause display command. When the pausedisplay command is received, the determining means 23 makes anindication of the physical or electronic location of the beginning ofthe recorded portion. This indication (start-recording value) is usedfor finding where each recorded portion begins. The physical location ofthe beginning of each recorded portion may be; for example, a segment ofa recording tape, or a sector and/or track of a recording disk, etc. Theelectronic location may be an address of a memory circuit, etc. Thecontrolling means 24 controls the recording means 14 so that the firstrecorded portion is recorded depending on the pause display command.When the pause display command is received, the recording means 14begins recording a recorded portion of the time sequential signal. Thecontrolling means 24 also controls the playing-back means so that thefirst recorded portion is played back depending on the beginningdetermined by the determining means 23 and depending on the resumedisplay command. The controlling means 24 also controls the recordingmeans 14 so that the second recorded portion is recorded simultaneouslywhile the first recorded portion is being played back. The recording ofthe second recorded portion depends on the received resume displaycommand, since after taking an initial break when the viewer wishes toresume viewing the program, the viewer inputs the resume display commandto the controlling means 24 (via remote control, voice activationcircuitry, keyboard, mouse, or other input device). The first recordedportion is then played back, while the second recorded portion of thetime sequential signal is recorded.

In accordance with the present invention(s), the controlling means 24includes determining means 23 for determining if the ending of the firstrecorded portion has been played back. As long as the ending of thefirst recorded portion has not been played back, then the controllingthe playing-back means continually plays back the first recorded portionof the time sequential signal, while simultaneously recording the secondrecorded portion of time sequential signal. If the ending of the firstrecorded portion has been played back, the controlling means 24 iseffective for controlling the recording means 14 for recording an endingof the second recorded portion of the time sequential signal on thefirst recording medium 16. Then, the controlling means 24 controls theplaying-back means for playing back the second recorded portion of thetime sequential signal using the second start-recording value todetermine the beginning of the second recorded portion.

In accordance with the inventive apparatus, the start-recording valuesetting means 25 may also be effective in setting a thirdstart-recording value, a fourth start-recording value and so on,allowing the viewer to take any number of breaks in the viewing of thecontinuously received time sequential signal by recording third, fourth,etc. recorded portions that are played back in a time shifted manner. Inaccordance with the present invention(s), time shifting is defines asallowing a viewer to view a conventionally synchronous program in anasynchronous manner.

In the case of a third recorded portion, for example, the recordingmeans 14 records a beginning of a third recorded portion of the timesequential signal on the first recording medium 16. The third recordedportion can be recorded on a third recording means 14, or the first andthe third recording means 14 can be one in the same. If the firstrecorded portion has already been played back, then the third recordedportion can be recorded over it, or at least a portion of the thirdrecorded portion can be recorded on a different location of therecording medium holding the first recorded portion. The controllingmeans 24 controls the determining means 23 to be effective fordetermining if the ending of the second recording portion has beenplayed back. If the ending of the second recorded portion has not beenplayed back, then the controlling means 24 controls the playing-backmeans for continuing playing back the second recorded portion of thetime sequential signal, while simultaneously recording the thirdrecorded portion of the time sequential signal. If the ending of thesecond recorded portion has been played back (i.e., the secondstop-recording value is detected) then the controlling means 24 controlsthe recording means 14 to record an ending of the third recorded portionof the time sequential signal on the first recording medium 16. Then,the controlling means 24 controls the playing-back means to play backthe third recorded portion of the time sequential signal using the thirdstart-recording value to determine the beginning of the third recordedportion, and so on, playing back the recorded portions in the order thatthey were recorded, while allowing the viewer to pause the display,rewind and review, fast forward, etc., making viewing of the programasynchronous and under the complete control of the viewer.

The determining means 23 further includes stop-recording value settingmeans 31 for setting a first stop-recording value for determining theending of the first recorded portion. In this case, the determiningmeans 23 includes means for determining if the ending of the firstrecorded portion has been played back by detecting the firststop-recording value.

In accordance with the inventive apparatus, the determining means 23includes means for determining if the ending of the first recordedportion has been played back. If the ending of the first recordedportion has not been played back, then the controlling means 24 controlsthe determining means 23 to determine if a viewer selected function isreceived. The viewer selected function may be, for example, rewinding,fast forward, stop, etc.

If the viewer selected function is received, then the function isperformed while simultaneously continuing to record the second recordedportion (or the next recorded portion from the recorded portion that isbeing played back) of the time sequential signal. If the viewer selectedfunction instruction is not received, then the controlling means 24controls the playing-back means to continue playing back the firstrecorded portion of the time sequential signal, while the recordingmeans 14 simultaneously continues to record the second recorded portionof the time sequential signal. The viewer can arbitrarily choose toreview a portion of the program that has already been viewed byrewinding or otherwise returning the play back from the recording mediumto that portion of the program and letting it play again. While therewinding and replaying of the recorded portion is taking place, theprogram (which continues to be aired) is simultaneously and continuouslyrecorded on, for example, the second recording medium 22 so that theviewer does not miss any of the program. Further the viewer can fastforward through commercials, or the commercials may be blanked out bydetecting the information of the vertical blanking interval from thevideo signal.

If the ending of the first recorded portion has been played-back, thenthe controlling means 24 controls the recording means 14 to record anending of the second recorded portion of the time sequential signal onthe second recording medium 22. Then, the controlling means 24 controlsthe playing-back means to play back the second recorded portion of thetime sequential signal using the second start-recording signal value, ina manner similar to the playing back of the first recorded portion.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controlling means 24 may include amicroprocessor that is preset to control the performance of theoperations of the inventive method as described herein. Recording means14 records a recorded portions (first recorded portion, second recordedportion, and so on) of a received time sequential signal. The recordingmeans 14 includes a recording/playback head 21 to magnetically recordthe received portion of the time sequential signal on a recordingmedium, such as a VCR tape. The recording means 14 also includes a motor45 for advancing the recording medium during the recording process. Thecontrolling means 24 controls the recording means 14 by appropriatelyactuating record switches 39 that activate the recording/play back head21 and the motor 45 to effect the recording process. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2, the recording means 14 is effective forrecording on a first recording medium 16 and on a second recordingmedium 22, although, as described herein one or more recording media maybe utilized, depending on the configuration of the inventive recordingapparatus.

Input receiving means 32 are provided for inputting a pause displaycommand and a resume display command. The input receiving means 32allows the viewer to asynchronously determine the viewing of thereceived program, and allows the viewer to input selected functions,such as rewind, fast forward, stop, play, pause, etc. Determining means23 determines the beginning of the each recorded portion, and playingback means 18 for plays back the recorded portions of the timesequential signal. The determining means 23 includes start-recordingvalue setting means 25 for setting a start-recording value, andstart-recording value detecting means 27 for detecting the setstart-recording value. The determining means 23 may also includestop-recording value setting means 25 for setting a stop-recording valueand stop-recording value detecting means 29 for detecting thestop-recording value.

The playing back means 18 includes the recording/playback head and themotor 45 for advancing the recording medium during the playing backprocess. The controlling means 24 controls the playing back means 18 byappropriately actuating play switches 41 that activate therecording/play back head 21 and the motor 45 to effect the playing backprocess. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the playing back means 18is effective for playing back recorded portions from a first recordingmedium 16 and from a second recording medium 22, although, as describedherein one or more recording media may be utilized, depending on theconfiguration of the inventive recording apparatus.

The controlling means 24 controls the determining means 23 to determinethe beginning of the first recorded portion depending on the pausedisplay command. The controlling means 24 also controls the recordingmeans 14 so that the first recorded portion is recorded depending on thepause display command. The controlling means 24 further controls theplaying back means 18 so that the first recorded portion is played backdepending on the determining of the beginning portion by the determiningmeans 23 and depending on the resume display command. In addition, thecontrolling means 24 controls the recording means 14 so that the secondrecorded portion is recorded while the first recorded portion is beingplayed back.

The controlling means 24 controls the start-recording value settingmeans 25 to set the (start-recording value depending on the pausedisplay command, and the controlling means 24 controls the playing backmeans 18 so that the first recorded portion is played back depending thestart-recording value and the resume display command.

In accordance with the present invention(s), the stop-recording valuesetting means 25 comprises at least one of an audio signal generator, acounter, a file allocation table address generator, and a recordingmedium location address storing means. The stop-recording valuecomprises at least one of an audio signal, a counter value, a fileallocation table address and a location on a recording medium.

The controlling means 24 controls the playing back means 18 and therecording means 14 to appropriately control the recording/play back head21 and the motor 45 by controlling the actuation of switches (rewindswitch 33, fast forward switch 35 and play switch 41), as well as therecord switch 39 and the play switch 41. The time sequential signal isreceived by the receiving means 12 and sent to, for example, a videosignal switch 43, which is under the control of the microprocessor ofthe controlling means 24. When the time sequential signal is beingviewed as it is received (like the conventional manner), then the videosignal switch 43 is controlled to send the received time sequentialsignal to the displaying means 44. When viewing of the time sequentialsignal is being time shifted, the video signal switch 43 is controlledby the microprocessor to transfer the received time sequential signal tothe recording means 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an embodiment of the inventivetime shifting event recorder is shown. The inventive time shifting eventrecorder is used with a recording apparatus 26 capable of recording in arecordable medium at least one selected portion of a time sequentialsignal. In other words, the commonly used VCR is such a recordingapparatus 26 which records on magnetic tape a time sequential signal,such as a television program. In accordance with the presentinvention(s), receiving means 12 (shown in FIG. I) receives a timesequential signal representing an event, such as the television program.Recording means 28 records in a recording medium at least one otherselected portion of the time sequential signal different from eachselected portion recorded by the recording apparatus 26.

Playing-back means 18 retrieves at selectable intervals the respectiveselected portions of the time sequential signal that are recorded in therecordable medium of the recording apparatus 26 (VCR) and the recordingmedium of the recording means 28. The playing-back means 8 generates aplay back signal dependent on these retrieved portions of the timesequential signal so that the television program can be viewed in thetime shifted manner as described herein. Controlling means 24 controlsthe recording apparatus 26 and the recording means 28 to record therespective selected portions of the time sequential signal. Thecontrolling means 24 also controls the playing back means 18 to retrieveat the selectable intervals the respected selected portions of the timesequential signal and generate the play back signal so that arepresentation of the event can be produced in a time shifted manner.

The time sequential signal can be either a video signal or an audiosignal (or other information carrying signal) and may be received via acable hook up or an antenna 30 which receives broadcasted radio signals.A remote control 32 can be used to input user selectable control signalsto the controlling means 24 so as to control production of therepresentation of the event in a user definable time shifted manner.

The respective portions of the time sequential signal may be retrievedand/or stored as analog or digital data. For example, a newly developedintegrated circuit which is capable of storing vast quantities ofdigital data may be used as the recording means which allows nearlyinstantaneous retrieval of the time sequential signal recorded therein.The use of such a memory circuit will reduce the complexity of theinventive time shifting event recorder to thereby reduce the cost toproduce and/or the size of the device.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention(s) arecording means 34 may be provided for recording in a third recordingmedium 36 at least one gap portion of the time sequential signaldifferent from the portions recorded by the first and second recordingmedium 20. Each gap portion is recorded at a time when either of thefirst and second recording means 14,20 is not able to record the timesequential signal. In other words, if for example, one of the recordingmedia is a magnetic tape which is being rewound while the otherrecording medium is playing back a portion of the recorded timesequential signal, the recording means 34 will be used to record theevent (for example the television program) so that there is a continuousrecordability of the television program with no lapse in continuity. Inthis embodiment, the playing-back means 18 includes means for retrievingat a gap interval each gap portion of the time sequential signalrecorded in the third recording medium 36 and generating a play backsignal dependent thereon. The controlling means 24 includes means forcontrolling the recording means 34 to record each gap portion of thetime sequential signal in the recording means 34. The controlling means24 further comprises means for controlling the playing-back means 18 toretrieve each gap portion of the time sequential signal, and to generatethe play back signal so that a representation of the event can bereproduced in a time shifted manner without a break in continuity causedby a time when either of the first and second recording means 14,20 isnot able to record the time sequential signal. With regard to at leastsome of the recording media, such as the disk type (magnetic or optic)and the memory circuit, it is possible that only one such recordingmedium is necessary to construct the invention. In this case, differentportions of the recording medium are used and controlled tosimultaneously record at one portion while playing back informationrecorded at another. This will further improve the device by reducingcomplexity and costs to make.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the inventive time shiftingevent recorder for displaying a time shifted representation of an eventon a display device is shown. Receiving means 12, such as an aerialantenna 30 for receiving a broadcast signal or a cable coaxial receiver,receives a time sequential signal representing an event (such as atelevision program). At least one recording means 40 records in arespective recording medium at least one respective selected portion ofthe time sequential signal. Playing-back means 18 retrieves atrespective selectable intervals each respective selected portion of thetime sequential signal recorded in each recording medium, and generatesa respective play back signal dependent thereon. Controlling means 24controls each recording means to record each respective selected portionof the time sequential signal. The controlling means 24 also controlsthe playing-back means 18 to retrieve at each respective selectableinterval each respective selected portion of the time sequential signal,so that the playing-back means 18 generates each respective play backsignal.

In this embodiment of the present invention(s), as shown in FIG. 5,supplying means 42, controlled by the controlling means 24, supplies atleast one of the respective play back signals and a current portion ofthe time sequential signal to a display device 44 simultaneously so thatat least one time shifted representation of the event can be displayedsimultaneously with a current representation of the event on the displaydevice. In other words, a time shifted event representation TSER can bedisplayed at one portion of a television screen while a current eventrepresentation CER is displayed at another portion of the televisionscreen. In this way, the viewer can choose to recall and review again aselected portion of the television program while continuing to view thecurrent event representation in real time.

In accordance with the present invention(s), supplying means 42controlled by the controlling means 24 supplies at least two of therespective play back signals to a display device simultaneously so thatat least two time shifted representations of the event can be displayedsimultaneously on the display device. At the user's option, two or moreportions of the event can be replayed simultaneously and viewed by theviewer on a display device 44, such as a television set. As with theother embodiments, each recording medium may be a magnetic tape,magnetic disk, electronic memory circuit (such as an integrated circuitdevice disposed on a silicon chip), an optically recordable disk orother suitable recording medium. It is particularly noted that variousmeans for recording information are being constantly developed.Therefore, the present invention(s) is intended to include the use ofsuch information storage devices whether currently known or developed atsuch future time. As with a previously described embodiment, inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each recording mediumcan be a portion of a recordable disk so that each recording meanswrites to and reads from the same recordable disk. Alternatively, eachrecording medium can comprise a portion of memory of a same electronicmemory circuit. In this case, each recording means stores information ona same electronic memory circuit. Furthermore, as with the otherembodiments, each recording means may record the time sequential signalas digital data, analog data or the like.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the inventive apparatusfor pausing the display of a time sequential signal, and illustrates theinventive method for pausing the display of a time sequential signal. Inaccordance with the present invention(s), a time sequential signal isreceived via, for example, an antenna, a cable television hook up,Internet modem connection, satellite transmission or other informationtransfer mechanism. The information depending on time sequential signalis displayed for viewing on a television, computer monitor, radio, orother displaying device 44. A pause display command is inputted by theviewer through, for example, a remote control, keyboard, voiceactivation, or other command inputting mechanism. Thus, the viewerselects “break” (step one). A first start-recording value is set (RM1)(step 2). A beginning of a first recorded portion of the time sequentialsignal is recorded on a first recording medium 16 (begin recording TSSon RM1 (step 3)). At this point, the viewer can attend to a phone call,or otherwise take a break from viewing the program, while the programcontinues to be broadcast and received as the time sequential signal.The portion of the time sequential signal that occurs during the breakis recorded on the first recording medium 16.

When the viewer returns, a resume display command is inputted (viewerselects “return” Step 4)). An ending of the first recorded portion ofthe time sequential signal is then recorded on the first recordingmedium 16. When the ending of the first recorded portion of the timesequential signal is recorded, a stop-recording value can be set (setRM1) stop-recording value (Step 5)). However, it is not necessary torecord to set the stop-recording value, if means is provided todetermine the ending of the first recorded portion of the timesequential signal. For example, it can be determined that the ending ofthe first recorded portion coincides with the beginning of a secondrecorded portion. In this case, it is not necessary to set astop-recording value, but rather the ending of the first recordedportion is determined by determining the beginning of the secondrecorded portion. As an example, the beginning of the second recordedportion can be determined by noting a time (or counter value, address,track, sector, etc. depending on the recording medium) when recording ona second recording medium 22 begins, then the ending of the firstrecorded portion is immediately preceding that same time (or countervalue, etc.). The start-recording value for the second recorded portionwould signify for the ending of the first recorded portion and thebeginning of the second recorded portion.

The ending of the first recorded portion is recorded on the firstrecording medium 16 and recording of the time sequential signal on thefirst recording medium 16 is stopped (stop recording TSS on RM1 (stepsix)). The first and the second recording mediums 16,22 may be the samedisk or recording mechanism, as described herein.

Next, a second start-recording value is set (set RM2 start-recordingvalue (step 7)). A beginning of a second recorded portion of a timesequential signal is recorded on a second recording medium 22 (beginrecording on TSS on RM2 (step eight)). To recap what has occurred, aviewer or user has determined to take a pause in the display of thecontinuously aired program. Thus, a pause display command is inputted,and the viewer selects “break” (step one). A first start-recording valueis set (step two) and a beginning of the first recorded portion of atime sequential signal is recorded on a first recording medium 16 (stepthree). When the viewer returns, a resume display command is inputted(step 4) a stop-recording value may be set (depending on theconstruction of the inventive apparatus), and the ending of the firstrecorded portion is recorded on the first recording medium 16 (steps 5and 6). Since the viewer has inputted a resume display command andwishes to continue viewing the program from where the beginning of thebreak began, a second recorded portion of the time sequential signalmust be recorded so that the portion of the continuously received signalis stored for time shifted or asynchronous viewing. Thus, a secondstart-recording value is set, and a beginning of a second recordedportion of the time sequential signal is recorded on a second recordingmedium 22. To allow the viewing to begin watching the program again,from the point the arbitrary break was taken, the beginning of the firstrecorded portion must he determined. This beginning is determined usingthe first start-recording value. Thus, RM1 is returned to thestart-recording value (step 9).

A number of different inventive mechanisms for determining the beginningof the first recorded portion are described herein. After returning thebeginning of the first recorded portion, the first recorded portion ofthe time sequential signal is then played back for viewing by the viewer(step 10). The first recorded portion of the time sequential signal iscontinued to be played back from the first recording medium 16, untileither a viewer selected function is received (pause, rewind, fastforward, stop, play, etc.), or the end of the first recorded portion isdetected. If, in step 5, a first stop-recording value has been set forthe first recorded portion, then the end of the first recorded portionis determined by detecting this stop-recording value. Alternatively, theend of the first recorded portion can be determined by noting when thebeginning of the second recorded portion started, by means of a counter,timer, address location, look-up table, or other such device or method.In any event, if the viewer selected function is detected (step 20) thenthe viewing selected function is performed while continuing to recordthe second recorded portion of the time sequential signal on the secondrecording medium 22 RM2 (step 21). After performing the viewer selectedfunction, play back of the recorded time sequential signal continues asinstructed in step 11.

If the end of the first recorded portion is determined (if the firststop-recording value or the beginning of the second recorded portion isdetected (Step 12)) then a second stop-recording value can be set(depending on the construction of the inventive apparatus) signifyingthe ending of the second recorded portion (step 13) and recording of thetime sequential signal on the second recording medium 22 is stopped(step 14). The same holds true for the second stop-recording value asholds for the first stop-recording value, wherein alternative mechanismscan be used so that the actual stop-recording value does not have to beset but the ending of the respective recorded portion can be determinedby, for example, the beginning of the recording of a next recordedportion.

At this point, the first recorded portion of the time sequential signal(the part of the aired program that elapsed when the viewer took abreak) has been played back for viewing by the viewer. In order to viewthe rest of the program, the viewing has to view that portion of theprogram that was received and elapsed while viewing the first recordedportion. In this example, that portion has been recorded on the secondrecording medium 22 as the second recorded portion. However, in order tolater view the portion of the program that is received while viewing thesecond recorded portion, another recorded portion (third recordedportion) of the program has to be recorded. Since the portion of theprogram recorded on the first recorded medium has already been playedback, the first recording medium 16 can be used again for recording thethird recorded portion. Alternatively, a third recording medium can beused, so that the viewer can rewind back the portions of the programrecorded on the first recording medium 16, or can obtain a final fullcopy of the recorded program for viewing later. A final full copy can bere-recorded onto another recording medium, or the recorded portions canbe appended to and spliced together onto one of the recording media ofthe inventive apparatus.

Thus, a third start-recording value is set for the first recordingmedium 16 (or third recording medium) (step 15). The third recordedportion of the time sequential signal thus is recorded on either thefirst recording medium 16 or a third recording medium. The beginning ofthe third recorded portion is recorded in step 16. For the viewer towatch the second recorded portion, the beginning of the second recordedportion must first be determined. The second recording medium 22 isreturned to the second start-recording value (step 17). Play back of thesecond recorded portion of the time sequential signal from the secondrecording medium 22 can then begin (step 18). The play back of thesecond recorded portion of the time sequential signal from the secondrecording medium 22 continues, until either a viewer selected functionis received or the second stop-recording value is detected (step 19). Ashas been described above, the second stop-recording value is set so thatthe ending of the second recorded portion can be determined. However,alternative mechanisms can be employed to detect the ending of therecorded portions, such as determining when the third recorded portionbegins. If the second stop-recording value or the beginning of the thirdrecorded portion is detected (step 22), then a third stop-recordingvalue is set (step 23). Again, it is not necessary to set the thirdstop-recording value if alternative mechanisms are employed to detectthe ending of the third recorded portion. The recording of a thirdrecorded portion of the time sequential signal on the first recordingmedium 16 (or the third recording medium) is stopped (step 24). Theexact timing of the stopping of recording of the recorded portions andthe setting of the start-recording and stop-recording values can vary.For example, the start-recording value can be set just before orsimultaneously with the beginning of the recorded portion, and thestop-recording value can be set just after or simultaneously with theending of the recorded portion.

If the ending of the second recorded portion is determined and the timesequential signal continues to be received, than a fourthstart-recording value is set for a fourth recorded portion of the timesequential signal. The fourth recorded portion is recorded on the secondrecording medium 22 (or third recording medium or forth recording mediumor first recording medium 16 depending on the configuration of theinventive recording device (Step 25)). The beginning of the fourthrecorded portion of the time sequential signal is then recorded (step26), and the recording medium on which is recorded the third recordedportion is returned to the beginning of the third recorded portion (step27). Play back of the third recorded portion of the time sequentialsignal begins (step 28) and continues until either a viewer selectedfunction is received or the end of the recorded portion is determined(step 11).

The inventive apparatus can be constructed from different electroniccomponents depending on the desired operational parameters such aslength of recording capacity, speed of operation, compatibility withexisting devices, such as VCRs, modems or cable television set to boxes,etc. The inventive apparatus can be configured to utilize differenttypes of recording media, such as a magnetic recording medium, amagnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, amagneto-optical recording medium, a phase change recording medium and anelectronic recording circuit. The start-recording value setting meansmay include means for setting a predetermined start-recording valuecomprised of at least one a predetermined counter value, a predeterminedfile allocation table address, of a predetermined location on arecording medium and a predetermined random access memory address forsetting a predetermined start-recording value for determining thebeginning of the recorded portions of the time sequential signal. Thestart-recording value setting means and the stop-recording value settingmeans may include a tone signal generator for generating a tone signal,a file allocation table address generator for generating and storing afile allocation table address, a counter for generating and storing acounter value and a random access memory address generator forgenerating a random access memory address as the start-recording valueand the stop-recording value for determining the beginning and theending of the recorded portions of the time sequential signal.

FIG. 7 illustrates the inventive apparatus in use displaying a receivedtelevision program 136 while simultaneously displaying a time shifted(paused) program 138 in a picture-in-a-picture window. A cabletelevision set top box 140 incorporates the inventive recordingapparatus. A time sequential signal (cable television signal) isreceived via a cable television line 142. The cable television line 142carries a number of different channels, each channel carrying adifferent program. Usually, a viewer selects which channel is tuned intousing a remote control 147. In accordance with the present invention(s),the viewer can pause the display of a first program 138, and switch toanother channel to view a different program 136. The paused program 138is recorded in the manner described herein so that the viewer can resumeviewing the program at any time, without missing any of it. Further, amodification of the recording scheme discussed above can be utilized toenable simultaneous pausing of two or more programs or switching betweentwo or more programs without missing any portion of either. For example,a viewer can start watching a program 1, and then decide to startwatching a program 2. When program 1 is paused, the recording meansbegins recording a first recorded portion 1 of program 1. While thefirst recording portion 1 is being recorded, the viewer changes thetelevision channel to start watching program 2. The viewer may thendecide to watch program 1 again, and so the first recorded portion isplayed back. At the same time that the first recorded portion 1 is beingplayed back, a second recorded portion 1 of program 1 is recorded and afirst recorded portion 2 is recorded by the recording means (ondifferent recording media, or on a same recording media as describedabove). The recording and playback of the two programs continues on inthe manner illustrated herein to enable the viewer to watch bothprograms at his or her leisure.

FIG. 8 illustrates the inventive apparatus in use displaying a receivedtelevision commercial 144 having an embedded interval page or Internetweb page address automatically linked by a hypertext message 146. Aninterval page is defined herein as a web-like page of information thatis received via data embedded within the television signal, as opposedto web page of information that is received via a modem link with theInternet. The Internet has recently exploded in popularity. Computerusers are getting on-line to search for and download their choice ofinformation from the large amount of information content alreadyavailable. Business have realized the commercial prospects of having anon-line presence, and often provide their world wide web site address inprint, radio and television advertisements. A computer user withaccessing means such as a modem (which can be incorporated in theinventive multi-featured multi-media appliance, such as a set top box140) can get on-line and access the business' web site to obtain moreinformation about a particular product that the user is interested in.This form of advertisement will most likely become more and more commonas Internet use increases. In accordance with the present invention(s),a business advertiser can include an Internet address along with theirtelevision commercial. This Internet address or blanking intervalinformation can be included in the vertical blanking interval of thevideo signal that carries the commercial, and stored in a RAM or othermemory device. If the viewer wishes to access more information about theproduct advertised, than the program that is being watched can be pausedwhile the viewer accesses the Internet and peruses the advertiser's website. Viewing of the paused program can continue in the time shiftedmanner described herein after the viewer returns from the Internetsession. Perusing an advertiser's web site, for example, may also occurwith a picture in picture system, as described above.

FIG. 9 illustrates the information that might be displayed when a useractivates the hyperlink or hypertext message 146 included along with atelevision commercial. In this case, activation of the hyperlinkautomatically causes the time shifting capabilities of the presentinvention(s) to begin recording the television program so that it can beviewed by the user after perusing the commercial-linked information. Thetelevision show may continue to be displayed after the activation of thehyperlink 146 while the web-like page is loaded from memory into a videodisplay driver (such as a well known frame grabber manufactured bycompanies such as miro and AVID). Once the hyper linked web-like page isviewable, the television program is replaced by the web-like page (withtime shifting of the television program in progress). The web-like pageor interval page illustrated in FIG. 9 has a number of hyperlinksincluded on the page. This interval page can be included along with thecommercial (embedded in the VBI). Broadcasters can also sell advertisersthe blanking signals that come before and after commercial, so that morecontent can be loaded, allowing for interval pages with faster andbetter graphics, etc. Included on the page is a hyperlink back to thetelevision program that was being viewed and is now being time shifted(“click HERE to return to Dirty Dozen”). The name of the televisionprogram can be included along with the television signal and all thedata can be in ASCII format, or other standard computer-manipulatableformat.

FIG. 10 illustrates the information that might be displayed when theuser activates one of the hyperlinks included with an interval page. Anumber of such hyper linked pages can be downloaded and cached by theinventive multi-featured multi-media appliance 1000 during the receptionof the television program, the data can be streamed in the backgroundcarried in the VBI of the television signal that includes the viewedtelevision program, via and Internet net, or by simultaneously tuninginto a data channel carried along with the television channels suppliedby the television system provider. As illustrated, some of thehyperlinks can also be linked to an Internet site, such as a world wideweb site that includes more information relevant to the productadvertised in the television commercial.

FIG. 11 illustrates the information that might be displayed with theuser actives one of the Internet hyperlinks included with an intervalpage. In this case, the information is in the form of a world wide webpage with hyperlinks to other world wide web pages, as well ashyperlinks back to the interval site. If the user's multi-featuredmulti-media appliance includes a computer hard drive, or other digitalstorage medium, then the some or all of the interval site can bepre-loaded before the commercial, allowing for very fast perusing of theinformation related to the advertised product. Each of the screens ofinformation can include the link back to the television program, whichbegins to be played back at the user's option from the point ofdeparture.

FIG. 12 shows a web page with a program grid that can be scrolled byclicking on the arrows at the edges of the grid (or by a remote controlarrow button). The grid shows the station name and channel for each ofthe television channels available on the user's system. The web pageshown, may be accessed, for example by selecting a hypertext linkdisplayed on the television screen or computer monitor.

FIG. 13 shows the web page displayed on a television screen or computermonitor and shows the use of a flat screen display panel remote inputdevice. The flat screen display panel can show the related content whilethe television or computer monitor shows the program (or vice-versa).The user can pause the display of the television program at any time toconcentrate on the information displayed on the flat screen. On-line orembedded content can be synchronized with the program to enhance theviewing experience and open up new entertainment and educationalpossibilities. Further, the interactive nature of the on-line connectionwill allow the user to provide feedback to the television programproducer during a live broadcast. The flat screen display includes avideo driver circuit and may receive the information for display via awireless or wired link with the computer, digital television, Internetappliance, multi-featured multi-media appliance, etc.

FIG. 14 shows a display, such as a television or monitor, used inconjunction with the inventive set top box. In this case, the display isshowing a preview program search and selection screen which the user cannavigate via keyboard instructions, remote control buttons and/or theuse of scroll bars. The display screen shows a number of program framestills that are updated periodically by tuning in the individualchannels and capturing a frame of the video signal. A conventional framegrab device, such as that available from miro Computer Products AG canbe employed, each frame is stored in memory, and displayed in a multiplepicture-in-a-picture (p-i-p) type display as shown. Alternatively, theindividual channels can be displayed with a “live” feed by employingmultiple tuners and controlling the image generated on the television ormonitor (in a manner similar to the well-known p-i-p display) so thateach of the channels is displayed simultaneously.

A number of scroll bars are displayed at various locations on thetelevision or computer screen The scroll bars, where appropriate,include scroll arrows which when activated scroll the informationcontained in the scroll bars in the direction of the arrow. A channeltype scroll bar provides the user with a number of channel type optionsfor narrowing down the programming selection. In this case, “allprograms” channel type has been activated. Thus, a channel availablescroll bar displays all of the channels available for viewing by theuser from the particular television system The user can then activatethose channels or groups of channels that are to be displayed in theupdated individual program frame stills. Volume and channel scroll barsare provided, as well as function selection scroll bars. The functionselection scroll bar allows the user to toggle between the varioustelevision and data signal receiving, displaying and manipulatingdevices, such as a VCR, computer television, etc In the top right handcorner a display triangle is provided. This display triangle toggles thedisplay between, for example, the preview screen shown here and atelevision program, on-line web site, pre-taped program or computerapplication. When viewing the selected program, the viewer can returnto, for example, the preview screen by clicking on the location of thedisplay triangle (which may be faint or invisible).

FIG. 15 shows the television display during a time shifting operation.During the viewing of a television program, the user can click on aremote control button, or click the display triangle location (top rightcorner) to bring up the control scroll bars. In this case, the viewerhas chosen the “time out” icon, and pauses the viewing of the show inthe time shifted manner described herein. A still image of the programthat was being viewed may be displayed, or the user can go to othertelevision channels or on-line data acquisition. Anytime the user wishesto return to the paused program, the appropriate instruction is inputtedto the inventive system as discussed herein and viewing of the programresumes from the point of departure.

FIG. 16 shows an on-line browser displayed during the pause in thetelevision viewing. The viewer can navigate through the world wide webor through content embedded in the television signal, thus gainingaccess to educational and entertainment options during the arbitraryviewing pause. These options are not available using a conventionaltelevision or computer system.

As shown in FIG. 17, a television commercial may be displayed along withthe television program. If the viewer is interested in the itemadvertised, television viewing can be paused and content related to theadvertised item can be accessed and perused at the viewer's leisure.Television signal providers may give viewers the option of continuallystreamed commercials that are specific to the viewer's demographics orprevious viewing behavior. Or, the commercials can be interjected duringbreaks in the television program as is done with conventional televisionbroadcasting.

FIG. 18 shows the display toggled between the preview screen (shown inFIG. 14) and the viewed television program. The television program canbe paused when the viewer access the preview screen. During the pause,the viewer can select any of the other function icons, such as VCR,Internet, Computer and Games, and enjoy the options available from thosefunction while the television program is time shifted. At any time, theviewer can return to the television program from the point of departure(when the pause began).

FIG. 19 shows a television commercial displayed with a hyper-link torelated content embedded in the television signal and/or an InternetSite. The address of the internet site can be added to an advertisers“hot” list and stored in memory so that it can be later accessed by theviewer. This advertisers hot list can be updated during each televisionprogram, or may be a cumulative list. Also, using artificialintelligence the viewer's preferences and viewing habits can be noted sothat viewer specific advertisements that fit the viewer's ownpreferences and habits can be sent from the television signal provider.When the viewer goes to the content provided in the television signal orthe Internet, the program is automatically paused and time shift asdescribed herein begins.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a televisionsystem enabled with the inventive technology. A signal receiverreceivers an incoming television and/or data signal. In this case thetelevision signal includes channels at prescribed frequencies. Some ofthese channels carry the television programs and some carry the data.The signal receiver can be, for example, a cable television set top boxor Internet/television appliance, such as WebTV. This signal is tuned bya television signal tuner and a data signal tuner. The television signaltunes in the television programs and acts as the television signalconnection. The data signal tuner tunes in the data signal contained inthe television program (or via another information transport vehicle,such as a telephone line, satellite or wireless system). This datasignal is provided to, for example, a computer CPU where it can bestored, or otherwise manipulated. The television signal from thetelevision signal tuner and the data from the computer CPU are receivedby controlling means (which may be the computer CPU). The controllingmeans controls the display of information on the displaying meansdepending on input from a user interface. The user interface includes aremote user inputting means, such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, awireless keyboard, a voice activation mechanism, or remote control. Asignal from the user inputting means is received by a remote signalreceiving means, which is similar to the remote control signal receiveremployed by, for example, a conventional VCR. The receiving means may beinfrared, wire or RF based depending on the remote signal. The receivingmeans feeds its signal to the user input determining means where theremote signal is converted to instructions that can be used tomanipulate the control of the recording means, displaying means,television signal tuner and data signal tuner by the controlling meansdepending on the user's desires. The controlling means also controls therecording means (as described herein) to record the television signaland the data signal depending on the user input.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the components of anothertelevision system enabled with the inventive technology. In this case,the signal for at least one television channel includes a televisionprogram/data mix of multiple frequencies. The television program portionnormally will be the bulk of the channel signal, with the data portioncomprising information that can be incorporated into portions of thetelevision signal such as the vertical blanking interval. The datasignal can include information related to a particular televisionprogram and may be included in the vertical blanking interval of thetelevision signal. Alternatively, the data signal can be a separatetelevision frequency or channel. The data can be “front loaded” before aprogram begins. In this case, the data can be sent from the televisionsignal provider during most or all the signal intervals that occur priorto the show, and just during the VBI. This data can be stored locally onthe user's apparatus, and can be linked to the program via, for example,HTML code or the like. For example, when a television commercial havinga hyperlink embedded in it is displayed, the user can click on orotherwise activate the hyperlink and the appropriate stored dataretrieved for display (at the same time, the television program can betime-shifted in the manner described herein).

The incoming video and data signal mix is received by signal receivingmeans (such as a set top box, or television tuner/data signal tunercircuitry). The received signal is processed by a signal processor. Thesignal processor include a television signal tuner and a data signaltuner. The television signal tuner tunes in a channel in theconventional manner. Data processing occurs using a data signal tunerfor extracting the data information from the channel signal bydetermining when the VBI occurs, and capturing the data stream containedin the VBI This data is stored in data storing means, such as a computerhard drive, recordable CD or DVD, RAM, magnetic tape, etc. Data processmeans (CPU) is used to process this data depending on, for example, userinputted instructions.

FIG. 22 schematically shows a screen displaying television programscheduling information as described above with reference to the Internetweb site. The information signal containing the data regarding theprogramming schedule can be received via the television connection as aportion of the television/data signal mix. The data signal is filteredout or otherwise separated from the television signal and the data isstored on a hard drive, RAM or other storage medium. Alternatively, theinformation can be continuously sent from the television systemprovider. This information allows the user to search for programsdepending on a number of search criteria such as program listing, day,language, special and program (Column A).

As shown in FIG. 23, the viewer can choose to have the VCR controlledvia the inventive apparatus to facilitate program recording. The data isreceived from the television system provider rather than from theInternet, and the information is stored locally on the user's system orcan be remotely stored on the television system provider's storagemedium, in a manner similar to the storage of information specific to aparticular user employed, for example, by WebTV.

FIGS. 24 through 27 show various nonlimiting configurations or a remotecontrol input device that can be used in accordance with the presentinvention(s). The input device can be a remote controller that includespush buttons (FIG. 24); a track pad (FIG. 25); a track ball (FIG. 26and/or a wireless keyboard (FIG. 27). The remote input device can beoptical or radio based, or may be hard wired to the input receivingmeans.

In accordance with the present invention, a time sequential signal isreceived via, for example, an antenna, a cable television hook up,Internet modem connection, satellite transmission or other informationtransfer mechanism. The information depending on the time sequentialsignal is displayed for viewing on a television, computer monitor,radio, or other displaying device. The information that is displayed maybe a television or radio program, or received data from a computernetwork, such as the Internet. The present invention enablesasynchronous viewing of a multicasted or broadcasted television programin conjunction with the perusal at the viewer's leisure of computernetwork information, such as a world wide web page downloaded from theInternet. The present invention allows a viewer to pause the display ofa program and switch to another media system, such as an Internetconnection. The viewer can access information from the Internet computernetwork while pausing the display of a television program.

The time sequential signal may be a television program which contains ablanking interval (a portion of the video signal that is received duringa time when the video display scanning returns to the top of thescreen). The blanking interval can include blanking interval informationincluding a selectable link, such as a network address, to networkinformation, such as a world wide web page, from a computer network,such as the Internet. The television program is displayed beforereceiving the pause display command. When the viewer wishes to obtaininformation via the Internet, the viewing of the television program ispaused and the computer network is accessed using a modem or othersuitable accessing means. The network information that is addressed bythe selectable link is received from the computer network. This networkinformation is displayed while the viewing of the television program ispaused and time sequential signal is recorded so that the programviewing can be returned to at a later time without missing any of theprogram.

As described above with reference to FIG. 8, etc., the inventivemulti-featured multi-media appliance can display a received televisioncommercial 144 having an Internet address automatically linked by ahypertext message 146. Viewing of the paused program can continue in thetime shifted manner described herein after the viewer returns from theInternet session.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed. Accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may beresorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. In an interactive television system that is configured for displayingtelevision programs and corresponding data, a method for pausing thedisplay of a television program that is displayed at the televisionsystem in response to a selection of a network address of thecorresponding data, the method comprising the acts of: displaying atelevision program at the interactive television system while thetelevision program is being broadcast, the television program beingdisplayed with content comprising a network address of correspondingdata; as a television program is being displayed, receiving inputselecting the network address; in response to the input, accessing datacorresponding to the network address; automatically pausing the displayof the television program in response to the input selecting the networkaddress and in response to obtaining the corresponding data, while thetelevision program is being broadcast, by recording a signal in whichthe television program is encoded on a recording medium, and so as toenable subsequent viewing of the paused television program in atime-shifted manner; as the display of the television program is paused,displaying the corresponding data; subsequently resuming the display ofthe television program by accessing the signal from the recording mediumin the sequence in which the signal was recorded on the recordingmedium, such that the television program is displayed at the point atwhich the television program was paused; and storing the correspondingdata in memory such that the data can be retrieved from memory duringthe act of accessing the data.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein the stored data is received through a television signal.
 3. Amethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the content comprising the networkaddress comprises a hyperlink.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein the network address comprises a web page address, and whereinthe data corresponding to the network address includes a web page, suchthat the act of accessing the data corresponding to the network addresscomprises the act of accessing the web page.
 5. A method as recited inclaim 1, wherein the stored data is received through a data channel. 6.A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the stored data is receivedthrough an Internet site.
 7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thestored data is stored within a television signal.
 8. An interactivetelevision system comprising means for implementing the method recitedin claim
 1. 9. In an interactive television system that is configuredfor displaying television programs and corresponding data, a method forpausing the display of a television program that is displayed at thetelevision system in response to a selection of a network address of thecorresponding data, the method comprising the acts of: displaying atelevision program at the interactive television system while thetelevision program is being broadcast, the television program beingdisplayed with content comprising an address of corresponding data; as atelevision program is being displayed, receiving input selecting theaddress; in response to the input, accessing embedded data correspondingto the address, the embedded data being embedded within at least one ofa television signal and an Internet site; automatically pausing thedisplay of the television program in response to the input selecting theaddress and in response to obtaining the corresponding embedded data,while the television program is being broadcast, by recording a signalin which the television program is encoded on a recording medium, and soas to enable subsequent viewing of the paused television program in atime-shifted manner; as the display of the television program is paused,displaying the embedded data corresponding to the address; andsubsequently resuming the display of the television program by accessingthe signal from the recording medium in the sequence in which the signalwas recorded on the recording medium, such that the television programis displayed at the point at which the television program was paused.10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the embedded data is relatedto viewer preference information.
 11. A method as recited in claim 9,wherein the embedded data is related to viewer habits.
 12. A method asrecited in claim 9, further comprising the act of receiving a televisionsignal in which the television program and the address are encoded. 13.A method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the act of storingthe embedded data corresponding to the address in memory such that theembedded data can be retrieved from memory during the act of accessingthe embedded data.
 14. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the actof pausing the display of the television program comprises the acts of:displaying the data corresponding to the address in a first frame on atelevision included in the interactive television system; andsimultaneously displaying a still image associated with the televisionprogram in a second frame on the television.
 15. A method as recited inclaim 9, further comprising an act of adding at least one web pageInternet site address corresponding to the embedded data to a hot liststored in memory for subsequent access.
 16. A method as recited in claim9, wherein the address comprises a network address.
 17. A method asrecited in claim 16, further comprising the act of displaying thetelevision program on a television included in the interactivetelevision system and simultaneously displaying the address as ahyperlink on the television.
 18. A method as recited in claim 17,further comprising selecting a position on the television at which thehyperlink is displayed based on information included in a signal that isreceived by the interactive television system and in which thetelevision program is encoded.
 19. An interactive television systemcomprising means for implementing the method recited in claim 9.